Chapter Twenty-Three: The Square Platform

"Fellow Daoist, you’ve truly broadened our horizons!"
"Before this, I had never heard of a sonic technique reaching such heights."
"It seems Yunhe Temple still has deep foundations!"
As the three met, it was no surprise that the two Daoists were already aware of Chen Yu's remarkable performance in the martial debate. Upon meeting, they were full of admiration. If he hadn’t played down his mastery of this protective art—claiming his practice wasn’t yet profound and that its use had injured his organs—they would surely have dragged him straight to the arena for a friendly match.
Turning to them, Chen Yu asked about books concerning the internal organs.
"Internal cultivation methods?"
"No, I just want ordinary Daoist texts and books."
Deep martial arts always involve internal cultivation, but those methods are varied and complex—too intricate to explain quickly. Chen Yu wasn’t particularly interested in other internal techniques at the moment; besides, those skills were tightly guarded by major sects, inaccessible to outsiders.
Moreover, he possessed the Organ Rebirth Technique, and Yunhe’s teachings included internal cultivation, so he paid little heed. Of course, if he could get a look at other methods, it would be ideal—but the opportunity was lacking.
For now, focusing on Daoist texts about the five organs was more practical. His knowledge in this area was too shallow and urgently needed enrichment.
Yet, as the two explained, books on the organs were mostly linked to internal cultivation, so few circulated outside. Still, the Daoist before him suggested a place:
Lingmin Tower Pavilion.
"Zhengyuan Temple is the foremost Daoist sect in Guangyong Prefecture. In terms of the breadth and variety of its library, no place rivals their Lingmin Tower Pavilion."
The Daoist told Chen Yu that Zhengyuan Temple had two repositories of scriptures. Lingmin Tower Pavilion housed books that didn’t involve martial arts or cultivation methods, useful for broadening knowledge or seeking answers. For true martial or Daoist training, one had to go elsewhere.
Breathing techniques, internal alchemy, energy circulation, heel-resting skills—everything one could want.
But that place was a secret domain of Zhengyuan Temple, guarded by masters, forbidden to outsiders.
If Chen Yu merely sought ordinary books on organs and medical treatises, he would surely find something in Lingmin Tower Pavilion.
"Can outsiders enter the pavilion?" Chen Yu asked curiously.
"Of course. There are no restrictions. As long as you’re eager to learn the Dao, you may enter."

The two before him had clearly visited, since it was the most extensive library in Guangyong Prefecture. Although, for preservation, few authentic ancient manuscripts were kept inside, there were many handwritten copies.
Last time they went, they even saw a handwritten copy of the "True Explanation of the Pure Micro Lingdan," supposedly lost since the previous dynasty.
They could hardly tear themselves away.
One of the Daoists added, "But it’s not entirely free. You must register your visit, and they’ll give you a wooden token carved with characters."
The other chimed in, "You also must pay ten taels of silver in advance. If you wish to take a handwritten copy home, you pay according to the value of the book."
"You can take books away?" Chen Yu was surprised. The pavilion was practically a huge Daoist book market!
The two saw his puzzlement and explained, "If you possess ancient scriptures, you can trade them with the pavilion. But most books there aren’t particularly rare or precious—few classics, all handwritten copies."
"And there are still rules."
"One person may buy at most three books. Beyond that, to purchase more, you must offer a book not yet in their collection in exchange—money alone won’t suffice."
Chen Yu pondered quietly. He didn’t ask what would happen if an organization kept sending new people to exploit Zhengyuan Temple—after all, most visitors were Daoists. Local powers wouldn’t stoop to reselling; outsiders would only acquire commonplace books, and reselling would hardly matter, perhaps even spreading Daoist learning and earning merit.
No matter what, Lingmin Tower Pavilion collected a store of silver and made book acquisition far easier than elsewhere—one might even owe a favor.
You spend money and owe a favor, making it unthinkable to act against Daoist customs.
Especially for Daoists.
"Impressive…"
He sighed in admiration and resolved to visit the pavilion before leaving, to see how many books it held.
The group chatted for quite a while and parted, satisfied.
Chen Yu was about to go to the pavilion when Daoist Jiang came to find him, accompanied by Qian Xuanzhong.
"Fellow Daoist Chen, I’ve long wanted to speak with you! We’re all curious about your performance in the martial debate!"
Qian Xuanzhong also saluted, saying he’d never heard of such martial arts before—especially those that could shake one’s mind, truly extraordinary.
Chen Yu didn’t dwell on the matter of spiritual power; whether they believed or not was doubtful, so he simply skipped it and discussed some straightforward points with them.
"It’s nothing special, just a secret internal cultivation method involving the five organs. My abdomen has only just recovered; I suffered fairly serious injuries before."

As they talked, Chen Yu naturally steered the conversation back to the topic of the organs.
At this moment, Daoist Jiang took out a cloth bundle and handed it to him, laughing, "Haha, you asked me to look around before—well, I found a few fellow Daoists, and they had some books here. None are particularly valuable, but you’re welcome to take them all."
"Thank you!"
Chen Yu accepted the bundle without ceremony, opened it, and saw four books of varying thickness inside.
"The Book of Internal Trust," "The Northern Wind Classic," "Qiao Gu Liang’s Medical Records," "Contemplation of the Fire Aperture."
"Among them," Daoist Jiang explained, "‘Contemplation of the Fire Aperture’ includes half a treatise on internal visualization. Its author was from the north and borrowed insights from the Buddhist teachings there. But it’s incomplete and can easily lead to problems if practiced."
Daoist Jiang watched as Chen Yu examined the books, explaining their origins and content, especially warning him about the last, lest he foolishly try strange techniques.
Of the four books, only the last contained a fragmentary cultivation method; the others were pure pharmacology and scriptures, at most annotated with Daoist reflections.
Though Jiang claimed not to mind, Chen Yu still accepted the favor, noting it for future repayment.
Qian Xuanzhong sipped his tea quietly. He had no internal organ medical books to share, though he’d once seen "Collected Four Needles for Cold Injuries," but it wasn’t on him, so he couldn’t offer it.
Finally, Chen Yu asked again about the pavilion. Daoist Jiang was even more knowledgeable than the previous two, making the place sound even more intriguing.
"In the afternoon, I must depart and can’t accompany you to the pavilion. Perhaps another time, we’ll meet again."
With the ritual concluded and the martial debate over, the bustle in Pingcheng faded, returning to its usual calm.
"And what about you, Qian?"
Asked, Qian Xuanzhong smiled, "Of course I’ll continue my training. These vast mountains and rivers are so beautiful—if I don’t see them, it would be a regret in life."
Chen Yu laughed in response. It seemed the legend of the Green-Clad Sword would travel even further.
Suddenly, he remembered to ask about the aftermath of Liu Bao’s affair.
"By the way, you said you’d report it to the authorities. Was it investigated? What happened in the end?"